Jesusfreakhideout.com Music News: April 2018

April, 2018

*Friday, April 28, 2018*

"I Can Only Imagine" To Release on DVD, Blu-ray and Digital in JUNE

Experience the uplifting story that shares the power of forgiveness when I Can Only Imagine arrives on Digital June 5 and on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital), DVD, and On Demand June 12 from Lionsgate and Provident Films. Directed by the Erwin Brothers (October Baby, Moms’ Night Out) and written for the screen by Jon Erwin & Brent McCorkle, the film tells the incredible true story behind Christian band... << Full Report >>

Visible Music College Emerges as New Model for Training, Equipping Christians in Music Ministry, Performance & Business

Chart-topping, seven-time Dove Award-nominated singer, songwriter and worship leader Todd Agnew and rock star-turned-college president Ken Steorts (one of the original founding members of the award-winning, Double Platinum-selling Christian rock band Skillet) know a thing or two about music, ministry and the business of making records... << Full Report >>

*Saturday, April 28, 2018*

Life Changing Adoption Spurs Austin French's Latest Song "Wide Open"

Available today from new Fair Trade Services artist Austin French, “Wide Open” lyrically shares the transformative story of adopting his now two-year-old son, Coleman James. The Georgia reared singer, songwriter co-wrote the powerful track with four time GRAMMY® nominated Matthew West and... << Full Report >>

Four Time GRAMMY® Nominee Matthew West Debuts Brand New Music Video for "All In"

Four Time GRAMMY® Nominee Matthew West released his music video for his latest single, "All In" today. The hit song, also featured on Spotify's Top Christian Contemporary Playlist, is already Top 20 at radio at continues to climb. Highlighting moments from the "Rock and Worship Roadshow" Tour, the video includes clips of West on the road... << Full Report >>

Dave Pettigrew Creates "Faith And Gasoline Journey"

Independent Christian artists are accustomed to working alone, making creative and business decisions on their own with limited budgets and resources, but Dave Pettigrew has grown a devoted community of fans not only through his music’s powerful message, soaring vocals and intelligent, theologically-rich writing but... << Full Report >>

*Friday, April 27, 2018*

Andy Mineo's New Project "I: The Arrow" Arrives Today

Rapper Andy Mineo returns with his latest project, I: The Arrow , available today (April 27) for purchase and streaming across all DSPs via Reach Records. The Arrow is the first of four EP’s, which taken together, will culminate into Mineo’s third LP... << Full Report >>

Must Build Jacuzzi Drop Debut Album Via Indie Vision Music

Illinois ska-punks Must Build Jacuzzi have released their debut album. "Last Place" is out now via Indie Vision Music & available via Spotify. The band spoke exclusively to Punknews, to discuss the new record.... << Full Report >>

*Thursday, April 26, 2018*

Syntax Creative Picks Up Three New Partners

Syntax Creative is pleased to announce partnerships with three churches that are soon scheduled to release new music — Gateway Assembly of Imlay City, Michigan, Foothills Christian Church of El Cajon, California, and The Grove Church of San Diego, California.

In addition to releasing several music videos and a few features films, Gateway will drop... << Full Report >>

Author James W. Goll Unveils His Musical Side With Debut Album, "Never Alone"

Award-winning author and beloved Bible teacher James W. Goll is excited to announce the release of his inspirational debut music album, Never Alone, from GOLL Ideation Music / Right Angle Music... << Full Report >>

Nadirah Dawson Debuts "Take You There" Single and Video

"Take You There" is an invitation to dig deeper into who we are. A call to walk in true discovery. Nadirah's uptempo, R&B track "Take You There" marks the follow up single to "After" for the New Jersey singer. Produced by FRED and Chris for JahRock'n Productions, "Take You There" strives to contribute to the growing R&B/Soul/Gospel genre... << Full Report >>

Daniel AMP Releases Video for "Can't Stop Us," A Story of Overcoming Adversity

Daniel AMP releases a visual for his new single, "Can't Stop Us", over Alex Hitchens production. Daniel shares, "If you know me then you know that I've seen my share of adversity/hardship in life. I grew up a gangbanger who was abandoned by his mother and never knew his father, so all my... << Full Report >>

*Wednesday, April 25, 2018*

CHRISTAFARI's New Album "Original Love" Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard Reggae Albums Chart

Chart-topping Gospel Reggae pioneers CHRISTAFARI return to the top spot this week on the Billboard Reggae Albums Chart with their latest studio album, “Original Love” (Lion of Zion Entertainment). Released on April 13th, “Original Love” is the group’s seventh consecutive album to debut at #1... << Full Report >>

*Tuesday, April 24, 2018*

Artist Performances Announced For 2018 K-LOVE Fan Awards

Emphasizing their mega year at radio, Cory Asbury featuring Francesca Battistelli, Jordan Feliz, Mandisa, Matthew West, MercyMe featuring Trace Adkins, Newsboys United and TobyMac are the initial slew of performances announced for the 2018 K-LOVE Fan Awards... << Full Report >>

New Artist Iryne Rock Releases New AC/CHR Single

New artist Iryne Rock is releasing her debut single today, titled “Fire In My Veins.” The song is from the Nigerian-born singer/songwriter’s album, “JFY,” set for a May release. “Fire In My Veins” is being serviced to Christian AC and Christian CHR formatted radio outlets... << Full Report >>

Word Worship's The Church Will Sing To Showcase Congregations Around the World

Honoring the Church’s foundational role in proclaiming the Gospel through song, Word Worship Music introduces The Church Will Sing, Volume 1. The inaugural collection in an inspired new series, The Church Will Sing offers a groundbreaking opportunity for congregations around the world to be the featured vocals on 10 new selections... << Full Report >>

*Monday, April 23, 2018*

Jackie Hill Perry To Unveil Fearless New Album, "Crescendo," on May 11

Birthed out of one of the busiest times of her life, Jackie Hill Perry will release her sophomore album Crescendo (Humble Beast, Fair Trade Services) on May 11. The rapper, writer, preacher and poet presents a 14-piece... << Full Report >>

LEDGER Makes Highest Debut on Billboard's Top Christian Albums Chart, Enters Top 5 at Rock

LEDGER, the self-titled debut EP from drummer and vocalist Jen Ledger of multi-platinum selling, GRAMMY® nominated rock band Skillet, made the highest debut on Billboard's Top Christian Albums Chart, hitting Top 5 on Rock charts as well as No. 2 on iTunes Rock Albums... << Full Report >>

Hillsong UNITED and Hillsong Worship Honored With Five Billboard Music Award Nominations

Multi-platinum-selling Christian music powerhouses Hillsong UNITED and Hillsong Worship garnered a combined five Billboard Music Award nominations, earning in all principal Christian categories, including dual nominations for Top Christian Artist and Top Christian Album (“Wonder” and “Let There Be Light”)... << Full Report >>

*Friday, April 20, 2018*

Winter Jam Crowned Top First Quarter 2018 Music Tour

Landing at #2 on Pollstar’s newly published “2018 1Q YTD Worldwide Ticket Sales Top 100 Tours” chart, the Winter Jam 2018 Tour Spectacular takes the top spot of all music tours on the chart. Following the #1 tour “Disney On Ice,” Winter Jam ranks ahead of first quarter tours by such superstars as Bruno Mars and Blake Shelton... << Full Report >>

Caitie Hurst Releases Single, "How Could I Be Silent"

Centricity Music artist Caitie Hurst has released her first radio single “How Could I Be Silent.” The song, penned by Hurst and writer/producer Cody Fry (Ben Rector), is available now on iTunes and all streaming outlets. Hurst also showcases the song’s infectious spirit... << Full Report >>

Rhett Walker Band Announces Self-Titled EP for August 10

Grammy-nominated Rhett Walker Band has released a brand new single, "Say Hello," that is available now and will be on the upcoming self-titled EP releasing August 10th in partnership with Essential Records/Sony Music. Also debuting today is the music video for "Say Hello," which you can watch here... << Full Report >>

Owl City Announces "Cinematic" North American Tour

Owl City announced today the “Cinematic Tour” — his first North American tour in over three years. Kicking off this September in Milwaukee, WI, the tour will bring Owl City (Adam Young) to 24 markets across North America in support of his new album — Cinematic — which is slated for release on June 1... << Full Report >>

Tom Read Releases Fresh EP, "Lament"

Tom Read, in partnership with Bespoke Records, is excited to announce the release of his new record, April 20^th. A collection of songs 5 years in the making- Lament explores this under discussed expression through a heart wrenching journey of honest and raw lyricism set to a dynamic and engaging soundscape... << Full Report >>

*Thursday, April 19, 2018*

Tamela Mann Receives Two 2018 Billboard Music Awards Nominations

Tillymann Music Group Platinum-Selling Top Gospel Artist Tamela Mann received 2018 Billboard Music Award nominations for “Top Gospel Artist” and “Top Gospel Song” for “Change Me” from her 2017 Billboard Music Award-winning, No. 1-selling album, ONE WAY. In 2017, Tamela broke the record for the most No. 1’s in the history of Billboard's Gospel Airplay chart when "Change Me" became her... << Full Report >>

*Wednesday, April 18, 2018*

Walmart Refuses to Carry Chart-Topping Christian Rock Band Stryper's New Album

Expressing concerns over the album title, leading national retail chain Walmart has refused to carry chart-topping rock band STRYPER's upcoming 10th studio album, God Damn Evil — available April 20, 2018 from Frontiers Music SRL. Several Christian retail chains have also... << Full Report >>

Travis Greene Receives Three Billboard Music Award Nominations Across All Gospel Categories

Travis Greene continues to cement his place as a top Gospel artist by securing three Billboard Music Award nominations across all Gospel categories, as announced live this morning on NBC’s “Today” show... << Full Report >>

*Tuesday, April 17, 2018*

Seventh Day Slumber's Joseph Rojas Launches Nashville Label Group

Joseph Rojas, founding member of Dove Award-winning Christian rock band Seventh Day Slumber and creator of the City RockFest Tour, announces the formation of Nashville Label Group. The new company will house dual imprints: RockFest Records, featuring Seventh Day Slumber and many of the leading names in Christian rock, and Burtonwood Records, presenting artists from the... << Full Report >>

MercyMe Earns Three Billboard Music Award Nominations, Eclipsing All Categories For Genre

Multi-platinum selling band MercyMe reaped three nominations for the “2018 Billboard Music Awards,” garnering nods in each of the genre’s categories – Top Christian Artist, Top Christian Album... << Full Report >>

Kim Walker-Smith ON MY SIDE TOUR with Special Guests Urban Rescue

With fresh focus and renewed purpose Jesus Culture’s Kim Walker-Smith is heading out on a summertime On My Side Tour with special guests Urban Rescue. Last fall, following the release of her latest solo album On My Side, Kim Walker-Smith toured a dozen... << Full Report >>

Indie Artist Joshua Israel Releases New Single

Award-winning Christian entertainer Joshua Israel releases a new single today, titled “You’re Not Alone.” The song, which is being serviced to gospel and praise & worship radio outlets, is being released on the J. Israel Family Entertainment Inc. label... << Full Report >>

*Monday, April 16, 2018*

Jordan St.Cyr Wins Artist of the Year at Talent Contest

Canadian singer Jordan St.Cyr has been selected as artist of the year at the 1st annual Christian International Talent Contest. CM United sponsors the ChristianTalentContest.com competition... << Full Report >>

*Friday, April 13, 2018*

LEDGER Delivers With "Powerhouse Vocals" and "Empowering Anthems" In Debut EP Available Now

LEDGER, the self-titled debut EP from drummer and vocalist Jen Ledger of multi-platinum selling, GRAMMY® nominated rock band Skillet, released today to critical acclaim. Ledger's unique vocals and powerful stage... << Full Report >>

"Let You Down" Eclipses Top 40 Chart As NF Hit Co-Written & Produced By Tommee Profitt Marks First Pop No. 1 For Capitol CMG Publishing

Topping both the Billboard Mainstream Top 40 and Billboard Hot Christian Songs Charts, NF’s “Let You Down” co-written and produced by longtime friend Tommee Profitt is earning Capitol CMG their first pop No. 1. The global, multi-genre track has sold 5.8 million tracks... << Full Report >>

LOVECOLLIDE Releases "Tired Of Basic" Today Amidst Acclaim

Sisters Lauren Budnick and Brooke DeLeary of the faith-forward pop duo LOVECOLLIDE independently release their third full-length album, Tired Of Basic, today (April 13) amidst acclaim on ABS... << Full Report >>

Reach Records Signs WHATUPRG

WHATUPRG, as the newest member of the Reach Records family. You may recognize WHATUPRG from his recent contribution to the 116 single “Light Work.”... << Full Report >>

Social Club Misfits debut video "War Cry feat. Tauren Wells"

Miami duo, Social Club Misfits, has built a strong following releasing provocative and compelling music. Today, the group, comprising two distinctive voices that consistently challenge the norm and entice the heart, will debut the “War Cry feat. Tauren Wells” video from the hot new release Into The Night... << Full Report >>

*Thursday, April 12, 2018*

Multi-Grammy and Dove Nominated Band Smalltown Poets Set to Release Eighth Studio Album Via Friendly City Records May 11

Smalltown Poets is back with their much anticipated eighth studio album titled Say Hello, which will be available worldwide on May 11^th, 2018. The album, co-produced by Smalltown Poets and Matt Goldman (Underoath, Third Day, Casting Crowns, Copeland, The Chariot), serves up ten portions of “thinking man’s rock” (as critics have dubbed the Poets’ past works)... << Full Report >>

Emery Announce Summer Tour with Special Guest '68

Emery are excited to announce their next round of tour dates this summer. The band will be hitting up the west coast with special guests '68 in early June. Tickets are on sale right now! (Click the appropriate link for the ticket you'd like to purchase.)... << Full Report >>

Andrew Peterson's "Resurrection Letters" Recordings Gather 5-Star Acclaim

Dove Award-nominated recording artist, songwriter, filmmaker and award-winning author Andrew Peterson released his long-awaited album, Resurrection Letters, Vol. I, March 30 and EP, Resurrection Letters: Prologue, Feb. 9 from Centricity Music, both amidst 5-star acclaim... << Full Report >>

Abigail Duhon Debuts 'Rebound' Video From "God's Not Dead: A Light In Darkness" Album

After releasing God's Not Dead: A Light In Darkness - Songs From And Inspired By the Motion Picture, Dream is proud to release Abigail Duhon's music video for her song "Rebound." The video was directed by Spencer Kane. The beautiful cinematic widespread shots mixed with Abigail's performance and clips from God's Not Dead: A Light In Darkness makes for a great piece of art... << Full Report >>

Jaxon Releases New Single, "I Need You"

Breakout Christian pop artist Jaxon is releasing a new single to Christian radio today. The song, “I Need You,” goes for adds at Christian INSPO and AC-formatted radio outlets. A video for the single, which is from Jaxon’s CD titled “The Journey,” can be viewed at YouTube... << Full Report >>

*Wednesday, April 11, 2018*

Andy Mineo's Single "You Can't Stop Me" RIAA Certified Gold

It's nothing but net for Reach Records hip hop recording artist Andy Mineo as he scores big with his colossal hit, “You Can’t Stop Me.” The song recently moved the equivalent of more than 500,000 copies, which includes over 51 million streams to date, and is officially certified GOLD by the Recording Industry Association of America® (RIAA). According to Spotify data, of the 500,000 units required to make... << Full Report >>

*Tuesday, April 10, 2018*

Newsboys United Tour Adds Summer Leg

Playing to capacity audiences across the U.S. this spring, the “Newsboys United Tour” will extend its history-making run through the summer, it was announced today. A slate of nearly 20 new shows kicks off in June, once again bringing current Newsboys members Michael Tait, Duncan Phillips, Jeff Frankenstein and Jody Davis together with former bandmates Peter Furler and Phil Joel for "all the hits... under one roof... for one tour."

Showcasing an electrifying headlining set from the supergroup, Newsboys... << Full Report >>

*Monday, April 9, 2018*

Third Day Farewell Tour Announces Additional Dates

Four-time GRAMMY® Award-winning and multi-platinum selling band THIRD DAY is adding five final nights to meet the demand for their FAREWELL TOUR. The tour, produced by Awakening Events and sponsored by Food for the Hungry, will add extra nights to already sold out shows in New York City and Nashville. New tour stops will include Kansas City, Chicago, and Minneapolis... << Full Report >>

Chart-Topping Gospel Reggae Pioneers CHRISTAFARI Return April 13th with "Original Love"

CHRISTAFARI return April 13th with their latest studio album, “Original Love” (Lion of Zion Entertainment) - available now for pre-order at iTunes, with 4 instant tracks available upon purchase. After nearly three decades, CHRISTAFARI is the all-time top selling Gospel Reggae act and continues to be a driving force in world music. Their last 6 albums have debuted at #1 on the Billboard Reggae Chart. But the band considers themselves to be more than just musicians, but rather “musicianaries” (musical missionaries), spreading... << Full Report >>

*Friday, April 6, 2018*

Michael W. Smith Creates Nurturing Steps™, Releases His First Children’s Album, Book

Multi-Platinum, three-time Grammy® Award winning artist, best-selling author and acclaimed actor Michael W. Smith launches Nurturing Steps™, a new infant and toddler series with a simple mission to provide parents and grandparents with music and books to enliven a young child’s journey with hope and faith through song and storytelling... << Full Report >>

Social Club Misfits Take April by Storm with Their Into The Night Tour

Capitol CMG recording artist Social Club Misfits kicked off their Into The Night Tour at Rocketown in downtown Nashville, Tennessee this week. The hip-hop duo will continue their 2018 tour through the end of April with stops in Pittsburgh, Chicago, Charlotte, Orlando and more. Tickets are currently available here.

The duo, comprised of Marty and Fern, released their album... << Full Report >>

Bethel Music Kids Relaunches as Bright Ones

Bethel Music Kids announces its relaunch as Bright Ones. Formed as an extension of Bethel Music and Bethel Church in Redding, CA, Bright Ones is a ministry for creative talented youth and kids who love God and want to see His Kingdom expanded through music, movement and multimedia. Correlating with the announcement,... << Full Report >>

Jesus Culture's Kim Walker-Smith Releases Live EP

Jesus Culture's Kim Walker-Smith has released a live EP with selections from her 2017 hit solo album, On My Side. On My Side Live (EP) is available now here. Known as one of Christian music's top female worship leaders, Walker-Smith recorded these... << Full Report >>

Joel Vaughn Announces New Studio Album Coming July, 2018

Today Joel Vaughn releases first new digital single since the release of his hit album, Surrender earlier last year. The new single is from his first of his two part forthcoming EPs beginning to release in July. In celebration of the release, "Pray It Up" has been sent out to radio stations with an official add date of April 27th... << Full Report >>

LEDGER Debuts New Song "Not Dead Yet" From Upcoming EP

On the heels of announcing her signing to Atlantic Records and Hear It Loud, Loudwire exclusively premiered the track “Not Dead Yet” yesterday off LEDGER (Apr. 13), the anticipated... << Full Report >>

Ryan Stevenson Debuts New Album NO MATTER WHAT Today

Today Ryan Stevenson releases his newest studio album, No Matter What, on Gotee Records. The project offers such soul-stirring tracks as "The Gospel" and "Faithful" featuring Amy Grant, who also co-wrote the song with Stevenson and the album's producer, Bryan Fowler... << Full Report >>

K-LOVE Fan Awards To Air On Television For First Time With TBN At Helm

A new partnership with TBN will allow fans from all over the world to tune in to the 2018 K-LOVE Fan Awards as it makes its return to Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry on May 27. Marking the show’s first appearance on television, TBN... << Full Report >>

Hawk Nelson's New Album MIRACLES is Available Now

Hawk Nelson’s new studio album, Miracles (Fair Trade Services), is available today. The band’s eighth studio project features their current single, "He Still Does (Miracles)," which is currently heard on more than 60 stations – including SiriusXM, Air 1, WAY-FM, WAWZ/New York... << Full Report >>

*Thursday, April 5, 2018*

Multi-Platinum Selling Skillet Releases Lyric Video For New Single "Brave"

Multi-Platinum selling rock band Skillet has released a lyric video for new single "Brave." Also, their song "Rebirthing," from the album Comatose, marks the seventh Skillet song to receive RIAA distinction as track is certified Gold... << Full Report >>

Lincoln Brewster Points Listeners To The "God Of The Impossible" With New Album, Available May 4

Renowned worship leader and pastor Lincoln Brewster, known for church and radio favorites like “There Is Power,” “No One Like Our God,” “Let The Praises Ring,” “Everlasting God,” “Love The Lord,” “God You Reign” and “Today Is The Day,” delivers his first new album in four years with... << Full Report >>

Annie Moses Band Welcomes Acting Legend John Rhys-Davies As Part of Annie Moses Summer Music Festival

Nashville-based award-winning, Juilliard-educated Annie Moses Band, known for its impeccable artistry and genre-defying music, announces today that eminent Shakespearean and acting legend John Rhys-Davies, one of modern cinema's most recognizable character actors, will join them as part of... << Full Report >>

*Wednesday, April 4, 2018*

Third Day Guitarist, Mark Lee, Announces Debut Solo EP

Third Day guitarist Mark Lee has been working on his first solo project, and he's inviting fans to help be a part of it. The news of Lee's first solo project comes just a few weeks after the band has announced their break-up and final tour. After releasing his first book, Hurt Road, last year, it's Lee clearly isn't wasting time paving the road for life after Third Day... << Full Report >>

Tom Read Returns with Single 'Dead Things To Life' Ahead of New EP, "Lament"

It’s been a 5 year wait, but this week UK based worship leader Tom Read returns with new single ‘Dead Things To Life’ taken from the upcoming Lament EP... << Full Report >>

*Tuesday, April 3, 2018*

Jeremy Camp, Matthew West, Rend Collective Unite For "Summer Lights Tour"

Compassion International’s “Summer Lights Tour” will find Jeremy Camp, Matthew West, Rend Collective with special guest Koryn Hawthorne trekking the east coast throughout the month of July. Inviting fans to escape the ordinary, this marks the second year for the popular tour to visit a mix of venues... << Full Report >>

Jordan Feliz's "Future" Makes Strong Debut Landing No. 1 Spot On Billboard Christian Chart

Last week Centricity Music pop artist Jordan Feliz dropped his highly anticipated sophomore release Future , which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Christian Album Chart and garnered over 4.5 million streams. Feliz’s current single... << Full Report >>

Pat Barrett Releases Self-Titled EP on Chris Tomlin's Imprint Label, Bowyer & Bow

Singer/songwriter and worship leader Pat Barrett is the flagship artist on GRAMMY® Award winner Chris Tomlin's imprint record label, Bowyer & Bow, in partnership with Capitol Christian Music Group. Barrett's self-titled debut EP is available now (click here to listen) and will be followed by a full-length album set to release... << Full Report >>

Cory Asbury’s “Reckless Love” Skyrockets To No. 1 At Radio In Only Seven Weeks

“Reckless Love” from Cory Asbury has quickly climbed atop the Mediabase Christian Audience Chart as one of the fastest growing songs taking the top spot in only seven weeks. The single, which is found on his chart-topping album bearing the same name, marks... << Full Report >>

*Monday, April 2, 2018*

Former Tourniquet Vocalist Launches Solo Project

Bay Area vocalist Luke Easter, who was Tourniquet's lead singer from from 1993 to late 2015, has announced a new solo endeavor. As part of the band Tourniquet, he co-wrote a number of songs, released ten CDs, four home videos/DVDs, and played numerous shows internationally. This is his first solo project, and it is slated for an early summer 2018 release... << Full Report >>

Impending Doom Debut "The Wretched and Godless," New LP Details

California metal veterans IMPENDING DOOM have announced a new song today titled "The Wretched and Godless" exclusively via ALTERNATIVE PRESS. The new track is the first song being released from the band's all-new LP due this summer, and the first bit of new music fans have heard in over 5... << Full Report >>